Beyond gold

This blog by Thomas H. Greco looks interesting. The author, an American, has taken the trouble to address a convention in Malaysia on currency issues,and you'll recall that they're trialling the gold dinar in the province of Kelantan.

Greco thinks that modern technology may let us keep accounts of exchanges without having to resort to traditional forms of currency. I suppose this could be similar to Local Exchange Trading Systems. It's also interesting that he's featured and commented on Ron Paul's proposal that currency systems should be allowed to compete. Greco even looks at Air Miles as one candidate!

Peak oil, commodity prices, globalisation, back to the land

An interesting article from Tom Stevenson in Britain's Daily Telegraph, on oil. He reaches two conclusions:

1. it's good news for the commodity investor
2. when supply hits its limit, demand will have to change, and so will our lives

The second is far more interesting. I think we will eventually start listening to the dreamers who are even now formulating new currency systems for localised commerce. And we'll need to unwind our dependence on the car. Think of the implications.